North Korea Confirms Troop Deployment to Support Russia in Ukraine Conflict
North Korea has confirmed its troop deployment to Russia to aid in the Ukraine conflict. This acknowledgment follows intelligence reports suggesting that up to 12,000 troops were sent last year. Kim Jong Un stated the deployment aims to combat Ukrainian forces collaboratively with Russia. Concerns linger about potential high-tech weapon transfers from Russia to North Korea, which could enhance its nuclear capabilities.
In a significant development, North Korea has officially acknowledged its deployment of troops to Russia to bolster its military efforts in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This marks the first time the North has confirmed reports suggesting it dispatched as many as 12,000 soldiers last year, as per various intelligence assessments from the US, South Korea, and Ukraine.
According to a statement shared with North Korean state media, the country’s Central Military Commission stated that leader Kim Jong Un had made the decision to send combat troops to Russia based on a mutual defense treaty. The statement noted that the purpose of this deployment is to “annihilate and wipe out the Ukrainian neo-Nazi occupiers and liberate the Kursk area in cooperation with the Russian armed forces.”
Kim further remarked, “They who fought for justice are all heroes and representatives of the honour of the motherland,” emphasizing the importance of this mission. Previously, reports from South Korean intelligence suggested additional troop movements as North Korean soldiers faced significant casualties on the battlefield.
As reported earlier this year, more than 300 North Korean soldiers have lost their lives and around 2,700 have been injured, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy estimating the number of casualties at about 4,000, compared to US estimates of around 1,200.
During an earlier meeting with Russian security official Sergei Shoigu in Pyongyang, Kim displayed firm support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine and reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to their mutual defense treaty. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko hinted at discussions regarding a potential visit by Kim to Moscow.
Apart from military support, North Korea has been supplying large quantities of conventional weapons to Russia. There are concerns that this cooperation could lead to North Korea acquiring high-tech weapon technologies from Russia, which would significantly enhance its nuclear capabilities. Additional economic support is also expected to flow from Russia to North Korea.
Although North Korean soldiers are disciplined and well-trained, they have faced challenges on the battlefield, particularly due to their inexperience and unfamiliarity with the local terrain. Nonetheless, Ukrainian military analysts suggest that North Korean forces are garnering essential combat experience and have thus far been an integral component of Russia’s strategy in deploying large numbers of soldiers into critical battle zones like Kursk.
In summary, North Korea’s confirmation of its troop deployment to Russia underscores a significant shift in military alliances. The involvement of North Korean soldiers may not only affect the dynamics on the battlefield in Ukraine but also signal deeper strategic ties between Pyongyang and Moscow. As both nations navigate their military and economic cooperation, the potential implications on regional stability and security remain concerning.
Original Source: www.9news.com.au
